WELSH legend Ryan Giggs has hailed Saints starlet Gareth Bale.
Giggs and Bale were among the scorers last night as Wales defeated San Marino 3-0 in a Euro 2008 qualifier at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
Giggs said of Bale: ''Gareth scored a great goal, he has scored some spectacular ones already for Southampton, and now us.
"He has a great left foot and, along with Jason Koumas, was our best player.
''What you look for in a young player is not just ability, but temperament. There are lots of players with ability, but you need so much more to really make it.
''You need hunger and the desire to practice. You must have the right mental approach".[Via]
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Giggs praise for Bale
Bale has got full package - Giggs
Ryan Giggs believes Manchester United target Gareth Bale has "got the lot" following the teenager's latest goalscoring display for Wales.
United ace Giggs finds himself acting as father figure these days to Wales' young guns, a job he has taken to with relish.
And the man who is on the brink of winning a record-breaking ninth league championship medal sees a similar hunger and drive from a youngster who could even become his team-mate next season if United win the £10million race for the Southampton wonder-kid's signature in the summer.
Bale scored another outstanding long-range goal for Wales against outclassed San Marino, his second in six games from left-back.
Giggs had already sidefooted Wales ahead before Bale's cracker, while Jason Koumas scored from the spot in the second-half.
And Giggs said of Bale: "Gareth scored a great goal, he has scored some spectacular ones already for Southampton, and now us. He has a great left foot and, along with Jason Koumas, was our best player.
"What you look for in a young player is not just ability, but temperament. There are lots of players with ability, but you need so much more to really make it.
"You need hunger and the desire to practice. You must have the right mental approach.
"At a young age, he looks like he has got all that. He must keep improving and I think he should be okay for a fine career."
Wales boss John Toshack is loath to praise youngsters too much, but even the 58-year-old finds it hard to contain his enthusiasm at the potential in the Cardiff-born youngster.
Toshack said: "At the moment, he is without doubt our first-choice left-back. He's only 17, but he has shot through the ranks and has really impressed.
"I try not to say too much about youngsters as they come through, but I know Southampton are very pleased with him - he has virtually played every minute of every game for them.
"We are also pleased when he is with us. He has come along very well. He will have setbacks, everyone does at his age, but - if he keeps going like he is - he will become a very tidy little player."
Pleased with Bale's contribution, Giggs was also confident enough to predict that Wales could make a late charge from a near-impossible position towards qualification.
He said: "We got the win we were all after. We could have scored six or more but it wasn't to be, but we got the points and we are hoping that this will give us momentum.
"We were pleased to score early. Thankfully, I got it and we were able to play with less tension after that.
"We could pass the ball, make chances and keep them pinned down knowing we had already got one goal.
"We were always going to win, but it is never easy against such opposition. They want the ball put in the air - we were trying to pass our way through.
"We need games to go for us now in the rest of the group, and second place is still open, even though the Irish and Czechs both won in midweek.
"As long as we have games in hand, and we have the Czechs and Irish both at home, we have a chance.
"If we can win those games, we will be in a good position. that is how we have to approach the rest of the group matches.
"We proved we could compete with the Czechs in the away game so we know what is possible. A little more luck and we could turn this group around.
"If we beat the Czechs here, it will give us a great boost. We need to win our home games and that one is make or break.
"Getting the points was the most important after losing in Dublin. It is how you react to defeats that is important, particularly for the younger lads.
"We have to keep moving forward." [Via]
Rossi enjoying loan spell
Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi expects to return to United next term after a valuable season out on loan.
The 20-year-old is an integral part of Parma's fight against relegation from Serie A, and also spent three months before Christmas at Newcastle United.
Rossi was quoted in the Oldham Chronicle as saying: “My contract with United does not expire until June 2010 and I expect to complete it."
The striker has three goals to his name for Claudio Ranieri's side from nine appearances, and he is delighted with how his season has panned out.
“It is important for young players to get their chance and I am getting my chance at Parma where I am turning out regularly and playing well," he said.
“Going to Newcastle was also a good experience, though I didn’t play as much, but the important thing was that I learned a lot while there.”
Rossi briefly returned to England last weekend, starting the Italian U21's pulsating 3-3 draw against England at Wembley.
“Of course it was special to be here," he said. "Just by saying the name Wembley makes you have goose bumps. It was a great occasion and I think we put on a good show." [Via]
Fergie happy for Scholes break
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United will benefit from a refreshed Paul Scholes in the closing weeks of the season.
Scholes was hit with a three-game suspension after being sent off in the victory over Liverpool at the start of the month, and has not played since the UEFA Champions League clash with Lille on 7th March.
And, after retiring from international football, he has enjoyed an extended break over the last couple of weeks.
Ferguson has applauded the midfielder's decision to call time on his England career for family reasons, and is confident he will end the season strongly.
"Paul regards family life as very important," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.
"He knows the travelling with the international team is tremendous and coming to his age, I think he felt it was time to give more time to his family.
"That is the reason he gave up international football.
"His form this season has been absolutely fantastic and now we are getting him back fresh after a little break."
Ferguson also reiterated his intention to remain in charge of United for a few more years.
The Scot accepts there are many potential candidates who would like the chance to replace him, but insists he is still as hungry for success as ever.
"There are many people who would love this job but I have got a few more years yet," he said. [Via]
Irwin urges Man Utd not to sell Heinze
Manchester United hero Denis Irwin has urged manager Sir Alex Ferguson to shelve all thoughts of selling Gaby Heinze in the summer.
"I have been a big fan of Heinze and at his best I would have him in the team ahead of Patrice Evra because of his defensive qualities. He edges it for me because of that," Irwin told the Manchester Evening News.
"Patrice, however, has been outstanding this season. His improvement has been dramatic. He has come on a ton and United haven't looked any weaker with him in the side.
"So up to a few matches ago he had the position in his grip. It was very hard for Heinze under those circumstances. He fought back early to go the World Cup in Germany last summer with Argentina. I am not sure the club would have been too happy with that.
"Nevertheless, he went but suffered a bit as a result this season. Because he wasn't getting regular matches his game fitness suffered.
"In view of that and how Patrice was playing you did have to wonder if he'd ever get back in on a regular basis and would he put up with that."
But Heinze has finally grabbed his chance again with Evra sidelined to throw the battle for the left-back berth into the air again and possibly alter the thinking on his future in the summer.
"I want to see Gabby at United again next season," Irwin added. "I want the club to hang on to all the players they have. Battles for places is vital.
"Heinze's fantastic display against Bolton was the Gabriel Heinze of two years ago and it was great to see." [Via]
Park wants league trophy
Park Ji-sung admits his priority is winning the Premiership with Manchester United this season.
The Red Devils are chasing success on three fronts, having also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and semi-finals of the FA Cup.
With a six-point advantage over Chelsea in the title race, reclaiming the Premiership is currently the team's best chance of a trophy.
And Park, who has scored on his last three Premiership starts, feels winning the league is the prime target.
"Personally, my number one target is the Premier League," Park told the South Korean media.
The former PSV Eindhoven midfielder, though, is refusing to dismiss the prospect of United repeating their 1999 Treble feat.
With Roma to face in the Champions League, and Watford the opponents in the FA Cup, Park feels three trophies are not beyond the team.
He added: "It is possible for us to get the results to succeed in all competitions.
"I have had a similar experience in the Netherlands.
"Even if we have bad results, we have to bounce back quickly and concentrate on the next game." [Via]
Sir Alex receives another accolade
Sir Alex Ferguson has picked up his second League Managers Association (LMA) Performance League award of the season.
The LMA award quarterly accolades aimed at recognising the work of managers at all levels of the professional game.
Sir Alex won the award earlier this season for the excellent start United made to the 2006/07 campaign and now, as the season enters its most crucial stage, the United boss has won it again for January-March 2007.
“It's a great honour to win this award for a second time," he told the LMA website, leaguemanagers.com, after being presented with the award at United's Carrington training ground by former Reds skipper Bryan Robson.
But he dedicated the award to the hard work his players and staff have put in since the turn of the year. “The efforts of our players and all our coaching staff has been fantastic this season," he said, "this award is for their collective efforts.”
Chief Executive John Barnwell said: “It is a great achievement to win one award in a season but the fact that Sir Alex has now won two demonstrates the tremendously high standards he is setting for our profession on a consistent basis."
Sir Alex beat two managers from League Two to top spot in the awards - powered by ProZone. Stockport’s Jim Gannon finished runner-up behind Ferguson, with Rochdale’s Keith Hill in third.
“Our unique awards are designed to reward and reflect success by managers at all levels of the professional game," added Barnwell. "And Jim and Keith are both doing marvellous jobs with Stockport and Rochdale." [Via]
McCarthy dreams of double
Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy is hoping to beat United twice before the season ends - in the Premiership this Saturday and again in the FA Cup final.
The Reds take on Mark Hughes' side at Old Trafford as United get back to league duties following the international break. And McCarthy is looking forward to what he hopes will be the first of two matches against the team he supported as a boy before the end of the season.
"I think United will win the league this year," he told United Review. "Playing them at Old Trafford is about as difficult as it gets in the Premiership. But Blackburn have done well against United under Mark Hughes so we’ll look to continue that."
The second meeting would be in the FA Cup final at Wembley. The South African international scored the decisive goal when Rovers upset Arsenal in the fifth round. Now he wants to complete Blackburn's cup quest by conquering two of his manager's (and boyhood idol) Hughes' old clubs, Chelsea and then United.
"Everybody is excited about the semi-final," admits McCarthy. "It doesn't matter that we'll face Chelsea, we're playing to win. We know it will be tough, but it's a one-off game and we're genuinely confident of reaching Wembley. We knocked Arsenal out and have enjoyed a really good run in the Cup.
"When I was a kid in South Africa, I always dreamed of playing in an FA Cup final at Wembley. Now that the stadium is open it could come true - and it might be against Manchester United. I've always said that dreams can come true..."
McCarthy is the featured opposition player in United Review, on sale at Old Trafford on Saturday. The official match programme can also be delivered to your door on matchdays.[Via]
Magpies eye Old Trafford raid
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder is this summer expected to rekindle his interest in Manchester United defender Wes Brown.
St James' Park boss Roeder is keen to build a solid platform and sees Brown, no longer a permanent fixture in Sir Alex Ferguson's first team, as the long-term solution to his problems at the back.
Manchester-born Brown has made no secret of his desire to stay with his home-town club and fight for his future and his case has been strengthened by the recent injury to England team-mate, Gary Neville.
The 27-year-old will have just one year left on his contract with the Premiership leaders at the end of the season and may seek assurances from Ferguson that he remains part of the club's future.
Newcastle have put contract talks on hold with central defender Titus Bramble and makeshift full-back Nolberto Solano as Roeder looks ahead to next season.[Via]
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Neville hit for six more
Manchester United captain Gary Neville is facing a further six weeks on the sidelines according to press reports. The right-back sustained an ankle injury during United's Premiership clash with Bolton ten days ago, but the initial prognosis of three weeks out now appear to have been optimistic.
The Times reports that Neville, who damaged ankle ligaments in a challenge with Gary Speed and had to come off after just seven minutes in the game at Old Trafford, is now expected to miss the whole of next month.
And that is bad news for United, who are still chasing silverware on three fronts and need all available resources as the end of the season approaches. Sir Alex Ferguson's back line has already been dealt a blow with Mikael Silvestre ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder, and Neville's experience in the final months of the season will be sorely missed.
The England player is thought to have targeted a return date for the game against Chelsea - a potential title decider at Stamford Bridge on May 9 - although he will miss a host of big games in the interim period.
Neville is set to miss up to 11 games, including the FA Cup semi-final against Watford, both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Roma, and both legs of the semi-final, should United win through.
The news means fringe players such as Gabriel Heinze and Wesley Brown will now play a key part in United's push for silverware.
Joining the defensive duo in contention for selection will be strikers Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who are both set to make returns from injury in Saturday's game against Blackburn.[Via]
Stop speculating, my future is with Man Utd
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both eager on a move for Christiano Ronaldo, but the Manchester United player says he has no intention of moving away from Old Trafford.
Daily Mirror reports today that the Portugal international is happy with life at Man Utd and this season will not be the last at the club.
Ronaldo is currently playing better than ever and has been the best player in the Premiership this season. Man Utd can win three titles this season, still competing for the Premiership, FA Cup and the Champions League trophies.[Via]
Edwin close to comeback
Number one goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar could make his Manchester United comeback against Blackburn at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Holland's top custodian has not played since picking up a calf injury against Lille in the Champions League on March 7.
The 36-year-old has returned to training, however, and is in line to play for the Dutch against Slovenia in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.
"It will become clear over the next couple of days whether Edwin will play. He trained on Saturday, but not with the rest of the players," said Dutch coach Marco van Basten.
"If we didn't think he had a chance of playing we wouldn't have included him in the squad." [Via]
United wanted me - Gattuso
AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has claimed he has had a number of offer to join Manchester United.
The former Rangers favourite was touted as a potential successor to one-time midfield general Roy Keane as Sir Alex Ferguson sought to fill the gap created by the Irishman's departure.
Ferguson eventually raided Tottenham to sign England midfielder Michael Carrick but Gattuso has claimed that he was the man that the Old Trafford chief actually wanted.
"Maybe for two or three years I have had the chance to go and play for Manchester," Gattuso told Sky Sports News.
The 29-year-old World Cup winner has confirmed he has never opened discussions with United officials and that any future move is not likely to materialise in the wake of his recently signed contract extension at the San Siro.
"I have never spoken to Ferguson," he said. "At this moment it's impossible to go to another team right now as I have signed a new contract for 2011.[Via]
Ronaldo wants to stay at Man Utd
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to stay at Manchester United for "many years".
The 22-year-old, who has a contract until 2010, has been in fine form for United this season and has repeatedly been linked to Real Madrid.
"It is a good sign to know I have so many clubs interested in me, such as Real Madrid," said the Portugal winger. "It means that I am valued.
"But I am very happy where I am and I hope to stay at Manchester United for many years."
Ronaldo is currently away on international duty with the Portuguese squad ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier with Serbia on Wednesday.
He continued his brilliant form by scoring twice as his national side beat Belgium 4-0 on Saturday.
Ronaldo has scored 16 Premiership goals this season, with a further two in the FA Cup.
When asked if he was the best player in the world at the moment, he stated: "The United players are by my side - but of course I believe I am one of the best."
United want the player to sign a new deal, which will take him up to 2012.
"I have a good contract, in financial terms, but what really matters to me is to show my best form," added Ronaldo.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Brown on boss' wanted list
Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder has identified Manchester United duo Wes Brown and Mikael Silvestre among his key transfer targets.
Roeder has shown his list of potential summer signings to chairman Freddy Shepherd and is said to be keen on the two Old Trafford fringe men because they can operate in central defence or at full back.
Brown, 27, could move on this summer after seeing his first-team prospects diminish this season - and would want to remain in the Premiership.
Silvestre, 29, is another who appears ready to move on, but has previously stated his desire to try the Spanish league next, after playing in Italy and France earlier in his career.
Roeder, who saw Portugal against Belgium on Saturday in his search for defensive talent, has earmarked tough-tackling players to bolster his back four next season.
The Magpies manager said: "I am not looking for any nice guys.
"The chairman is aware of the players I am looking at and he hasn't said 'you shouldn't be looking at that quality'." [Via]
Gattuso: I had United chance
Gennaro Gattuso admits Milan have consistently blocked any chance of him joining Manchester United.
The tenacious midfielder has repeatedly been linked with a switch to The Red Devils and has been mooted as the ideal replacement for Roy Keane.
Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be a fan of the former Rangers ace, but Gattuso admits he has never spoken to the United manager.
And he also revealed that Milan president Silvio Berlusconi will do all he can to prevent him from leaving San Siro.
"Maybe for two or three years I have had the chance to go and play for Manchester," Gattuso told Sky Sports News.
"I have never spoken to Ferguson.
"At this moment it's impossible to go to another team right now as I have signed a new contract for 2011."
Gattuso will line up for Italy against Scotland on Wednesday in a Euro 2008 qualifier in Bari, but will not clash with Darren Fletcher.
The United midfielder is injured, but Gattuso feels that Fletcher, and other Scots - or Scottish-based players - could have an impact in Serie A.
He added: "Barry (Ferguson) for me could play in Serie A, the Premier League, in Spain.
"Barry, (Paul) Hartley, Fletcher, (Aiden) McGeady - he's not a Scottish player, he's an Irish player, but a good player - these players have a good chance to play in Serie A." [Via]
RONALDO REJOICES
CRISTIANO Ronaldo transferred his sparkling Manchester United form to the international arena with two goals in Portugal’s 4-0 win over Belgium.
“We created lots of opportunities in the first half but failed to score,” said Ronaldo. “In the second we showed more guts and were fortunate to net goals in the first minutes.”
Nuno Gomes gave the hosts the lead and Ronaldo struck two minutes later.
Ricardo Quaresma’s spectacular volley made it 3-0 before Ronaldo swept in from the right to score.
Nicolas Anelka made a triumphant return to the France team, after three years in the wilderness, with the only goal of a 1-0 win.
“It is the Nicolas I like to see,” said French coach Raymond Domenech. “When he shows these qualities, he is a candidate for a permanent place.” [Via]
Man Utd double deal ambition
Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder has identified Manchester United duo Wes Brown and Mikael Silvestre among his key transfer targets.
Roeder has showed his list of potential summer signings to chairman Freddy Shepherd and is said to be keen on the two Old Trafford fringe men because they can operate in central defence or at full back.
Brown, 27, could move on this summer after seeing his first-team prospects diminish this season - and would want to remain in the Premiership.
Silvestre, 29, is another who appears ready to move on, but has previously stated his desire to try the Spanish league next, after playing in Italy and France earlier in his career.
Roeder, who saw Portugal against Belgium on Saturday in his search for defensive talent, has earmarked tough-tackling players to bolster his back four next season. [Via]
Giggs sets sights on Euro glory
Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs insists he will not rest until the Reds have added another European Cup to their trophy cabinet.
The 33-year-old winger - United's most decorated player - is driven by the pain of "missed opportunities" to hold the trophy aloft one more time before he calls time on a glittering career.
His peerless form, after 16 years of frontline action at Old Trafford, has been a key factor in United leading Chelsea down the home straight of the Premiership run-in and making it through to a Champions League quarter-final clash against Roma.
"Having tasted victory in 1999, it is a burning desire of mine to win the European Cup again," he tells Champions, the official magazine of the UEFA Champions League.
"I saw what it meant to the fans and what it did in terms of recognition for Manchester United and I want to experience it again.
"If I retired having won just the one Champions League, I would feel disappointed. To go for seven or eight years after that 1999 win and not match that night ever again would be a let down.
"I only say this because over that period United have had teams that have been capable. I've been lucky enough to have won almost every major trophy on more than one occasion - the European Cup is the sole exception. I'm so determined to do it."
Giggs has scored 26 goals in 91 European appearances and shows no sign of losing his effectiveness as United spearhead a three-team English assault on the trophy. He reveals that fear and disappointment keep him performing at such a high level.
"My drive has never been about the buzz of winning. I'm driven by the fear of disappointment and losing," he adds. "The winning buzz fades quickly. The main thrill is making it to the top.
"When you're there, it's like, OK great, but what now? You go on holiday and by the time you return, it's all forgotten. Those empty summers where I've sat on the beach thinking about missed opportunities have been horrible.
"They are what stick in my mind, more so than the wins." [Via]
Ryan Giggs Yearns To Win One More Champions League Trophy With Man United – Wales Captain Hints At Management Career
Manchester United winger and Wales captain Ryan Giggs wants to win one more Champions League trophy before retiring and then could take a leaf out of former Red Devils Mark Hughes’ or Steve Bruce’s book in making a career in management.
"Having tasted victory in 1999, it is a burning desire of mine to win the European Cup again," 33-year-old Giggs told Champions, the official magazine of the UEFA Champions League.
"I saw what it meant to the fans and what it did in terms of recognition for Manchester United and I want to experience it again.
"If I retired having won just the one Champions League, I would feel disappointed. To go for seven or eight years after that 1999 win and not match that night ever again would be a let down,” explained Giggs.
On a query whether management was his option for a post-playing career, Giggs said: "As for management, I have friends who have gone into management and I agree the Wales job would be a very exciting one.
"I certainly know Mark Hughes enjoyed it as Wales manager. It came at the right time for him and was a good learning process.
"If I was to go into management then that would be the route I would go down, definitely.” [Via]
Man Utd boss Ferguson eyeing Man City kid Richards
Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly planning an ambitious bid to lure Manchester City defender Micah Richards to Old Trafford.
The United boss is hoping the England international becomes only the third City player in the past 70 years to make the switch to their Manchester rivals.
Ferguson is planning to spend big this summer even if his current squad win the Treble and Richards - alongside Owen Hargreaves, Gareth Bale, Deco and Nani - is at the top of a wish-list he will present to United's American owners.
According to the Sunday Mirror a source close to Richards said: "There is interest from United, but whether anything happens is another thing given the rivalry in Manchester." [Via]
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Scholes: 'United are ready for Chelsea anytime'
Paul Scholes is hoping Manchester United will have the title in the bag by the time they visit Chelsea for their rearranged Premiership clash.
The game has had to be rescheduled from April 15 to May 9 due to both sides' FA Cup semi-final commitments.
And former England midfielder Scholes said: "You'd like to think so, wouldn't you? But we know there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work before we're in that position.
"It doesn't make any difference when we play Chelsea. Whatever position we are in we'll go there and want to do well. No matter what the circumstances, we won't be going to Stamford Bridge and taking our foot off the pedal.
"Winning that game is something we will have to do to show that we are worthy of being where we are now. We won't even be playing for the draw because that isn't the way we play, we always want to win. And they have beaten us at Stamford Bridge the last few years so it would mean a lot to go there and win."
Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils are six points clear of Jose Mourinho's men and are chasing the Premiership, Champions League and FA Cup Treble. Chelsea, who won the Carling Cup last month, are still in the hunt for the quadruple. [Via]
Bayern still resisting United
Bayern Munich have warned Manchester United they will not be bullied into selling Owen Hargreaves this summer.
The England international has been at the centre of a £20million tug-of-war between the two clubs since his performances at the World Cup last summer.
So far the German champions have managed to resist United's advances despite repeated pleas from the 26-year-old midfielder to be allowed a move to the Premiership.
Sir Alex Ferguson offered £20m for Hargreaves in the January transfer window, but now Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has claimed his club have no need to sell.
"We have had a large offer for Hargreaves from United and it remains valid until this summer," he said.
"But he has a contract until 2010 and we are in the fortunate position that our finances are in top-class shape.
"We'll be presenting another first-class balance sheet this year, so we can still say 'no' if a club like United come in with a large offer for one of our players.
"There aren't many players of Owen Hargreaves' quality in the holding midfielder position and our aim is to build a team capable of great things." [Via]
Cristiano Ronaldo - the dilemma of stopping a genius
A Watford fan ponders on how the Hornets can subdue Manchester United's wonder winger in the FA Cup semi-final.
With Watford’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United looming, there has been some debate among Hornets fans about how best to wind-up and affect Cristiano Ronaldo.
It seems perfectly clear that he – like David Beckham before him – has learnt how best to deal with the sad and predictable post-World Cup bile and diatribe still being served up at grounds across England.
Yes, Ronaldo did wink in a hugely annoying way during last summer’s tournament. But is that enough to warrant the abuse he has picked up all season? I know what you’re thinking: he is a diving, cheating whinger. I think that’s harsh. Yes, he does go down easily. But don’t be fooled by popular consensus. He is just very, very good.
I often wonder how players like Ronaldo manage at home. Imagine this: young Cristiano emerges from the kitchen wearing his slippers and carrying a tray upon which sits his beans on toast and a mug of tea. He drops a shoulder and deftly turns, thus avoiding the nasty door frame, on his way to his lounge to sit and eat as he watches Deal or No Deal (is that about a possible move to Real Madrid?). Then – horror! – he brushes a thigh against the arm of his leopard-print sofa and – crash! – down he goes. Penalty! Beans and tea everywhere. Ref!
No, of course not. He can stay on his feet when he chooses to, and does actually have a centre of gravity lower than his on-pitch displays might suggest.
Ronaldo has brilliantly used the barrage of hate to which he has become so accustomed to fuel his drive to become the Premiership’s leading light this season. His skill, athleticism, poise, natural flair and goals are incredible, providing a combination so scarce in football that he is sure to become Manchester United’s highest-paid player. (And in Wayne Rooney, they have another of the modern game’s greatest natural talents).
That is the real reason Ronaldo gets the abuse. Any fan in the country would love him playing for their team.
And so to the matter in hand. I am a Watford fan and I also love to watch football’s greats – Gary Lineker, Kenny Dalglish, John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne. Pure gold, all of them. And so is Ronaldo. But do I want him to play on April 14? It’s a tough one. Yes, because I want to see him in action again. But no, because I want us to win. I know, I know – they’ve got Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, et al, and they are the form team. But Ronaldo is their key player this season.
So abuse does not work. What can we do? Shout “Behind you!”, watch him fall, then steal the ball from his twinkling toes? Or just throw smelly socks at him? The real trouble is that, whatever you do, you cannot ignore him. [Via]
I never want to fail, says Giggs
Ryan Giggs is one of football's most decorated players, but the Welshman says that it is an adversity to failure that drives him on.
Giggs has won eight league titles, a European Cup, four FA Cups, two League Cups, and European Super Cup and Inter-Continental Club Cup winners medals in a glorious 16-year career at Old Trafford.
But the dedicated and determined Welsh winger, who has been influential for the Reds this season, doesn't want to stop there.
"I hate to fail at anything I do," he says. "That's what drives me on to the next game, the next season, the next trophy - I just don't want to fail."
It is now eight years since United's Champions League triumph at the Nou Camp in 1999, three years since the last league success, and with the FA Cup final being held at the new Wembley, Giggs says he is driven to adding to his impressive trophy cabinet this term.
"As a player you need new challenges and that's what keeps the edge to your game," he said.
"We haven't won the Champions League since 1999, and you only have to look at the FA Cup, that drives us on because we want to be the first club to lift the cup at the new Wembley.
"I'm very proud of what I and the club have done, but we have not won the Premiership for the last three years and that in particular is a massive motivation." [Via]
RONALDO: I'm STAYING
Cristiano Ronaldo has put us out of our misery by saying that he's going to be at Manchester United next season!
"I consider myself a footballer at Manchester United who is playing well and trying to help the team," he told The Sun.
"I want to leave my mark on this era, win titles and be a figure in the history of this club.
"If things keep going well I want to stay here. I'm only thinking about Manchester United and I want to stay here for more than another two years.
"I want to stay here but nobody knows what's in the future. As I said a long time ago, one day I want to play in Spain.
"But right now I'm happy where I am and I want to continue because I'm at a great football club. I'm not a Galactico.
"It's always important to know the biggest clubs are interested in your work as it means everything is going very well."
Both Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes and manager Sir Alex Ferguson have insisted there is no rush to finalise a new contract - and the winger does not expect any problems.
"We're negotiating and everything is being defined for me to stay here," he added.
"Jorge is talking with the club and I think everything will turn out well and I will stay here."
"At the moment, it is looking good but this is the time when things are won and lost, so we will have to be at our best over the next few months." [Via]
Hargreaves sale not certain
Bayern Munich have warned that long-term United transfer target Owen Hargreaves is not guaranteed a move to Old Trafford in the summer.
United tabled a bid for the Canadian-born Englishman in January - reported to be around £20million - but Munich rejected the offer.
Sir Alex Ferguson has made no secret of his desire to bring Hargreaves to Manchester, and Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claims the intitial offer remains on the table in the summer.
But he says the Bundesliga champions do not have to sell. "We have had a very large offer for Hargreaves from Manchester United and it remains valid until this coming summer," he is quoted as saying in The Sun.
"But he has a contract with Bayern Munich until 2010 and we are in the fortunate position that our finances are in top shape.
"We'll be presenting another first-class balance sheet this year, so we can still say 'no' if a club like Manchester United come in with a large offer for one of our players."
Rummenigge believes his club are in the driving seat because there are few players in Europe of the calibre of Hargreaves in his position.
"Fortunately, Bayern Munich enjoy special status. There aren’t many players of Owen Hargreaves’ quality in the holding midfielder position and our aim is to build a team capable of great things, not just domestically, but in Europe." [Via]
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